Page 100 of Rival

Jaxon snorts and I look to where he’s staring, my jaw dropping as I watch Mason’s horse prance around with that toy, swinging it in wide circles.

“What the hell is he doin’?” I ask no one in particular.

“I swear to God, that horse was normal since the day I bought him. Edith shows up with a little present from ourfriendhere,and now he’s like a fuckin’ toddler who just found his dick for the first time. He won’t stop playin’ with the damn thing!”

I bite my cheek because, although Mason sounds annoyed, I think he’s more frustrated she’s not here to watch. The three of us lean against the fence in easy comfort, Mason slipping through every now and then to throw it, encouraging Austin to run.

The kittens are wrestling between mine and Jaxon’s feet, little cries of pain sounding when one of them nips too hard.

I really wish Edith was here.

And that thought brings me right back to Clayborn.

Shoving myself from the fence, I check my watch and know it’s probably the perfect time for another little visit. He’s probably knocked out in his chair by now, considering the way he drinks.

Besides, it’s been a full week since I was there last. I quite enjoy my weekly ritual of beating this shit out of him and whispering promises I’ll be back next week, and the week after, until Edith is safe and home.

“Where you going?” Jaxon asks, still watching Mason and Austin together.

“Headin’ next door. It’s my weekly check in with Clay.” With a wink, I shove my hands into my pockets and stroll toward the tree line that will take me to the Hughes’ backyard.

I might even have an extra pep in my step as I gear up for his ass-whooping.

Chapter Forty-Four

Jaxon

Rolling my eyes at Mason’s abrupt text, then Griffin’s buddy comment and his commitment to not using Ruth’s first nameever, I tap my thumb on the side of my phone in thought.I don’t know how it happened, but apparently, we’re friends… of sorts.

Picking you up in ten. You at your office?

Hey buddy, Mason and I are heading your way. We want to go see Mrs. Danielson and see if she’s got any updates on our gal. I’d ask if you want to go, but I know you do.

Their offer to bring me along to see Ruth pleases me. She tends to shut me down when I call, but maybe with the three of us putting pressure on her, she’ll give us something about Edith this time.

Texting them back in the group text they refuse to use, I hit send, then gather my things together.

I’m at my office. I’ll be ready when you get here. Need someone to bring me back to my truck when we’re done.

Heading to the door, I let Jennice know she can head out for the night. She must have been ready to go because she’s out the door within minutes and I wait alone until Mason’s truck pulls into the lot.

Locking up, I yank the passenger door open and wait as Griffin shifts to the middle to give me room. Mason’s truck only has the one bench, so it’s a tight fit for the three of us.

All of us sitting shoulder to shoulder, I press my lips together tightly as Mason pulls out of my lot and we make the first few minutes of the drive to Ruth’s in silence.

Griffin seems on edge with his knee bouncing harder and harder the closer we get. Finally, Mason slaps his hand downhardon his thigh.

“Would you knock it the fuck off? You’re makin’ me want to crawl out of my skin.”

“You realize that she’s been gone seven weeks? She was probably a good three weeks pregnant before she left, so that puts her at ten weeks pregnant now. Maybe even eleven, but I think ten is a good guess. I did some research and at ten weeks, the baby would be the size of an apricot.”

My eyes bulge, then glance at my hand and imagine a baby that big cradled in my palm.

“Fuck,” I murmur, then wince when Griffin jabs me in the side.

“How’d you take it when she told you? We already know Mason froze up like an icicle, but you never said how she told you.”

Mason’s low growl has both of us smirking before I remember the way our conversation went and my mood sours.